The Croatian defender, now in his third season at the Etihad Stadium, has become essential under manager Pep Guardiola. The 23-year-old was awarded the club’s Player of the Season award last campaign as he continues his meteoric rise.
However, despite his success, he has revealed to the BBC that he nearly dropped football in favour of basketball in what would have been a huge loss to the game.
"I was thinking about quitting because I like basketball as well, I wasn't sure in football any more because when you get to the training ground you don't feel happy any more, you know?
"I was just trying to find other solutions and to feel happier than I felt before because all of my friends were playing basketball.
"My dream obviously was to become a professional football player, but I didn't know that I was going to go that far.
"If you go five years back and ask me, do you see yourself at Manchester City in 2023, '24, '25? I would say no chance, like really impossible."
Gvardiol was 16 when he was struggling to get game time for Zagreb's youth team and with basketball being very popular in Croatia, there was no wonder he nearly made the switch when he has a lack of game time. However, he thankfully stuck with football and has become an integral figure under Guardiola, who has led the young defender to countless successes.